While SLR Lounge covers articles and tutorials for all types of photography, our roots have always been weddings. So when determining our list of the “100 Best Wedding Photographers in the U.S. and Canada,” we did not take the task lightly. After researching for weeks, analyzing thousands of portfolios, and getting expert opinions from industry leaders, we came up with the following list.

Step 2: We ran these lists through a formula to find the reoccurring names. If a name or studio appeared more than once, they were up for consideration. We then looked for the following:

Working Photographers – Since this is an annual list of the best wedding photographers for 2016 (and not an “all-time” list), we wanted to ensure that each artist was active. For this, we looked for clues like their blog entry dates and the contents of their social media activity.

Artists and Not Just Educators – The formula revealed some photographers who are well-known educators but lacked in artistry in comparison to the rest of the results. These were eliminated.

Artists and Not Just Networkers – The formula also revealed some photographers who are well connected in the industry but lacked in artistry in comparison to the rest of the results. These were also eliminated.

Step 3: We went through the long process of reviewing each portfolio for the following characteristics:

Uniqueness and Creativity – This list favors photographers who are doing something different. Some are pioneering new techniques like Ryan Brenizer or Sam Hurd. Others see art in places where most photographers would overlook like Two Mann and Chrisman Studios.

Artistry and Vision – This list also favors photographers who have a complete vision for the final product like Erich Mcvey and Dylan and Sara. In their images, you can see how all elements of the scene work together (the models, wardrobe, makeup, location, post-processing, and more) for a beautiful, cohesive, final product.

Timing and Emotion Capture – This list also favors photographers who have a knack for being in the right place at the right time, like Callaway Gable and Anna Kuperberg, who create emotional photojournalism.

Consistency – This list favors photographers who produce consistent quality from shoot to shoot. One single great shot (or even a large set of great shots) is not enough to make the list.

Step 4: We then compared portfolios again and continued to eliminate until we cut the list down to 91 photographers. We kept our list at 91 because we want you to nominate the rest of the 9 in the comments below. We’ll look into each and every suggestion you make and finalize our list half way through the year. We are asking for your help because, as with any “best of” list, there are limitations and flaws with the selection. The primary limitation is that the initial selection favors artists with high visibility, whether that be through teaching, networking, or winning awards. There very well could be some deserving photographers with lower visibility (perhaps with all of their efforts going towards serving their clients). There may also be some rising stars that are simply too new to pop up on our radar. So let us know your thoughts and help us make this the best possible list of its kind.

The 100 Best Wedding Photographers in the US and Canada for 2016

Due to the subjective nature of art and photography, we decided to order this list in alphabetical order:

*Note: Starred names indicate an affiliation with SLR Lounge as a content creator for the site. We had originally excluded all affiliated photographers. However, we realized this was unfair. SLR Lounge’s mission and goal is to create a community where the best working photographers are teaching, educating, and elevating our industry. To remove them from eligibility would go against that exact mission statement.

All photographers (including those affiliated with SLR Lounge) were held to the exact same standard and process for making this list. The degree of objectivity in the initial selection process and the 3rd party supporting credentials, awards, and recognition of each photographer allowed us to feel comfortable in our selections, regardless of affiliations.

We need your help!

As mentioned, we left our list at 91 so that we can account for names that we may have overlooked initially. We need your help coming up with the final 9. Comment below to nominate another photographer and we’ll take them into consideration. We’ll make a finalized list half way through the year. Thank you!

315 Comments

Maria Smith

Hello SLR Lounge Official.!! Thanks for sharing such an informative article here. You have shared an amazing list of photographers. My sister’s wedding was around 2 months back. We had hired TVC weddings photographers who do amazing work. They captured all wedding events perfectly and they are also affordable. So you can add them also in your list. Check out more them at https://tvcweddings.com/&nbsp;

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Lisa Rhinehart Photography goes above and beyond anything you’d ever expect. Her artistic eye and the daring angles are simply to die for. I’ve been enthusiastically watching her photography for years. I have yet to view a photograph that fails to evoke emotion is some way. Best of luck, Lisa! You are truly a magician behind the lens!

I live in Europe, so I don’t have any personal experience with any of the US or Canadian photographers, but I “live” in an online photography world and for me the big names missing on this list are Neil van Niekerk, Joe Buissink, the guys from F-stoppers and Jerry Ghionis. Though I don’t know whether this last year any of them received any reward or created anything jaw-dropping. But their previous work is pretty consistent and artistic, one might say.

Wow – Great list, may I suggest adding the innovative Erum Rizvi – she does amazing work with multicultural audiences, she’s been featured as a Rangefinder Rising Star, spoken at WPPI and other events, is a leader of DC’s Capital Area Photographer group and her lighting work is world class!

I’m gonna nominate Jackie Au, 2015 SWPP Photographer of the Year, Wedding photography instructor at University of Calgary. Jackie also won numerous international awards including 3th place and Gold Awards from WPPI http://www.jackieau.com/about/

Oh man, how is Jonathan Canlas not on this list already? That guy has produced some of the most inspirational work I’ve ever seen. I love how he seems to see right into the souls of the families he photographs. Really a master of his craft.

I would like to nominate Dan Salvo, http://www.dazzlephotography.com
He is an outstanding artist, and has won many awards in the wedding photography industry. Additionally, he is an ambassador for Spider Holster. Dan is easy-going, approachable, passionate, and always generous with his time, whether with clients or students. I am confident Dan Salvo would make your list of the Best Wedding Photographers.
Respectfully submitted,
Eric Stricko

I have a lot of people I’m proud to call friends and mentors on here, and I’m so proud of all of them. Some of the people on this list are not only tremendous photographers but amazing, kind and humble people. And it’s a goal of mine to make it on this list with them at some point

Rich Lander of Chard Photography, Jaron Johns of Dei Gratia or Johnathan Canlas are all great examples to me of hard working and talented wedding photographers. Each are great at obtaining their individual personal style, amazing with clients, give back (either to the community or the industry – usually bot)h and their willingness to share freely with others is present. All in all, making them great candidates for one of the remaining spots.

I’m so happy to see some friends already on this list! And I know there are some that I am missing when I suggest others for the list!

I agree with Raven about Rich Lander. Great photographer. I also nominate Michael Greenberg from Toronto, CN. He is an award winning photographer, educator, speaker and a great artist. If you check out his work, you will all agree.

My two favorites to follow both their work and their social media accounts are Michelle Koechle (www.michellekoechle.com) and Katelyn James (www.katelynjames.com). They’re both wife-husband teams, and their work is fabulous! Katelyn is a great educator and an inspiration to me. Michelle is more low-key but her work speaks worlds and she is always sending positive messages out to woman-kind.

Rich Lander of Chard photography. He has built an awesome brand with incredible work and a loyal following over the last few years. Absolutely worth checking out and adding to the list. http://Www.chardphoto.com

Michael’s vision is what sets him apart from the rest. He his lighting and attention to detail are bar none. He’s reliable, consistent and an amazing artist. Michael Kinney is definitely deserving to be on this list. His work speaks louder than words.

Lear Miller. While barely a legal drinking adult. His work far surpassed most in the industry. I’m already in awe of what he produced in the next 5-10 years. Esp because I’m already in awe of what he’s producing now!!

No wedding list such as this would be complete with out Craig and Kitty Fritz of Twin Lens. They shot Ben & Erin Chrisman’s wedding amongst others and Craig is staff at the Foundation Workshops. http://www.twinlens.com/

Honored and humbled to be on this list of incredible talent and industry leaders. I’d love to nominate Jonathan Canlas and Lear Miller. One a legend and all around incredible guy, the other a new talent that is just killing it.

Collin Pierson Photography belongs on this list! We love having Collin Pierson Photography as a creative partner at The Estate by Gene and Georgetti. Collin is a true professional that captures the most memorable and beautiful moments at our events. http://www.collinpierson.com

I second this. Theilen photography is an incredible husband and wife team who are both ridiculously and equally talented. Please check them out as their work is not your everyday by something that I’m continuously inspired by!

aw, thank you so much my dear. (However, I don’t really do contests so I certainly haven’t won any and my coaching has only just started so I don’t think I meet their criteria. :-) Maybe next year:-) Thank you!